General says poor leadership is biggest problem for Afghans

(ANSA) - Rome, February 2 - The top American commander in Afghanistan told Congress on Tuesday that most of the problems facing the Afghan security forces stem from poor leadership, the Associated Press reported.
    Testifying before the House Armed Services Committee, Army Gen. John F. Campbell said the Afghan National Army has replaced 92 general officers, including a high-level commander in volatile Helmand province.
    The Afghan interior ministry is still "lagging behind" in making leadership changes, he said. U.S. forces are "taking steps to remedy this through our train, advise and assist mission," Campbell said. He cautioned that the institutional changes that are required will take time.
    Campbell's testimony comes as lawmakers are growing skeptical amid concerns that worsening security conditions demand a greater number of U.S. forces to ensure the gains made in the war-torn country since 2001 aren't lost. But there is also ample frustration that, after 14 years, the finish line in Afghanistan still is not visible.